IELTS Academic Writing Part 2 Question Types and Suggested Structures

Opinion (Argument)
Typical
Question
Words

Example
Question

What is your opinion?

Discuss the advantages and

disadvantages.

Discuss both points of view and give

your opinion.

Problem and Solution

Problem and solution.
Cause and solution.

To what extent do you agree or

disagree?

Discuss the advantages and

disadvantages and give your own
opinion.

Computers are being used more and

more in education and so there will
soon be no role for the teacher in
education.

Computers are being used more and

more in education.
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages and give your own
opinion.

Computers are being used more and

more in education. Some people say
that this is a positive trend, while
others argue that it is leading to
negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument
and then give your own opinion.

Students are becoming more and

more reliant on computers.
What are some of the problems
associated with reliance on
computers, and what are some of the
possible solutions?

Paraphrase Question

Paraphrase Question

Paraphrase Question

Paraphrase Question

Thesis statement (It is agreed/It is

disagreed.)

Say what essay will discuss (This essay

will discuss the advantages and
disadvantages..)

Outline of points of view to be

examined

Say what essay will discuss (This

essay will discuss)

Say what essay will discuss (This

essay will discuss)
Main Body
Paragraph 1

Two Views and Opinion

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or

disagree?

Introduction

Advantages and Disadvantages

Say what essay will discuss (This

essay will discuss)

State first reason why you agree or

disagree

State one advantage (On the one

hand)

Develop/explain your idea relating to

first reason
(Furthermore/Moreover.)

Develop your idea relating to advantage

(Furthermore/Moreover.)

Give example supporting first reason

(For example/For instance)

Give example supporting advantage

(For example/For instance)

Concession
(However/Nevertheless)

Please note that these are just suggestions out of many possible approaches.

State first viewpoint

State problem (On the one hand)

Discuss viewpoint

Expand/explain problem
(Furthermore/Moreover.)

Give example (For example/For

instance)
Conclude

Result of problem (Resulting in)

Give example of problem (For
example/For instance)

IELTS Academic Writing Part 2 Question Types and Suggested Structures

Main Body
Paragraph 2

State second reason why you agree

or disagree

State one disadvantage (On the other

hand)

Develop/explain your idea relating to

second reason
(Furthermore/Moreover.)

Develop your idea relating to

disadvantage
(Furthermore/Moreover.)

Give example supporting second

reason (For example/For instance)

Give example supporting disadvantage

(For example/For instance)

State alternative viewpoint

State solution to problem (On the

one hand)

Discuss viewpoint
Give example (For example/For
instance)
Conclude

Expand/explain on solution to
problem (Furthermore/Moreover.)
Give example of solution to problem
(For example/For instance)

Concession
(However/Nevertheless)
Conclusion

Summarise by stating thesis

statement and two supporting points
Opinion or recommendation

Summarise main body paragraphs by

Summarise main body paragraphs
discussing merits of both (In summary/In
State which one is better or more
conclusion)
important (In my opinion.)
State which one is better or more
important (In my opinion.)
Recommendation

Please note that these are just suggestions out of many possible approaches.

Summarise problem and solution (In

summary/In conclusion)
Recommendation